Pages: 246
Price: £6.99 RRP
To order: Available from most good book stores and from the UK version of Amazon. Not my book. Not published by me. Not available from this website.

I should start with a word of explanation. Most people who visit this here website have an interest in magic, mind-reading, psychics, illusions and suchlike. This book is not actually a magic book (but keep reading). No card routines, no snazzy new mind-reading trix. So why am I telling you about this book?

Reason the first: Because, weirdly enough, it is actually relevant if you're interested in mentalism and mind-reading.
Reason the second: Because it's a brilliant piece of work by a truly gifted, witty writer, and if nothing else, you'll get a few good laughs out of it and learn something at the same time.

So what's it all about? Some time ago the author, Isabel Losada, started checking out most every form of 'self-improvment' and 'self-help' treatment, exercise or therapy. Here are just some of the things she investigated (take a deep breath): Insight seminars, T'ai Chi, the convent life, astrology, the Inner Goddess workshop, Tantric sex, colonic irrigation, re-birthing, rolfing, massage (various forms), anger release, Neuro-linguistic programming and a few other bits and pieces along the way.

Before I go on, you need to know two things. While this is a very witty, laugh-out-loud kind of book, Isabel does not make fun of any of these subjects (she actually treats them all with respect). Secondly, it's definitely not a 'women only' effort full of man-bashing asides. I'm a man, and I enjoyed it immensely.

So, next question: what's this got to do with magic and mind-reading? Plenty. There are many routines which include patter about 'alternative beliefs', 'different faculties of mind', 'altered modes of communication' and so on. I doubt there's a mentalist today who hasn't mentioned 'neuro-linguistic programming' at least once in the past year. When you read ths book, you'll actually end up knowing a lot about all these different 'schools of thought', and you'll gain one ton of insight into the female mind, and you'll have a good time in Isabel's very capable hands. I think for a book as cheap as this, which is also an enjoyably easy read, you have to agree that's a fair deal.

Secondly (still mainly addressing my magician readers) there is a lot of mileage in taking an old method and giving it a new theme, a new twist. This book is full of them! If you've ever wanted to find a new presentational dressing for part of your repertoire, you're certain to find one in here, simply because Isabel covers so many subjects so well.

Let me add that, whether magic's your game or not, Isabel is a very good writer indeed - possibly your favourite non-fiction writer you haven't discovered yet. Her style is easy to read, witty and full of genuine insight sprinkled with fandabadoozy turns of phrase. She takes you on a guided tour of her subject that is richly enjoyable, yet genuinely informative.

I'll make you a promise: if you admire good writing for its own sake, then the Prologue is worth the price of the book on it own. If you like to try your hand at creative writing or journalism, or you teach similar subjects, then just study the Prologue. There are 10 years of 'How to write well' lessons in 6 pages, right there.

What more can I say? It's very good, dirt cheap and easily available. Have a good time, and let me know how much you enjoyed it. I'll happily pass your comments on to Isabel next time she's bedazzling me in some London bar or other with all her latest projects and strange thoughts!

If you go ahead and order the book, please email me and let me know.

Please do not write asking me anything else about this item. The author didn't ask me to advertise it, this is not a paid-for advert, and I make no money out of this book. I don't wish to deal with 6 questions a day about something I make no money out of.

Since I first put this page up, lots of my friends - magic geeks or not - have purchased this book and written to me about it. All the magic and mind-reading guys have agreed it's an absolute treasure trove of source material. People also tend to remark on its extreme readability, and the fact that it's pretty darned funny to boot.

"A myth is a fixed way of looking at the world which cannot be destroyed because, looked at through the myth, all evidence supports the myth"
- Edward de Bono